Probable cause
The tug driver's failure to stop for a taxiway stop sign.
NTSB analysis
A Bombardier (LearJet) 35A had just landed, and was taxiing on taxiway A during night conditions. A tug was traveling south on an access road, and approaching the taxiway A stop sign. The tug did not slow for the stop sign, traveled past it, and struck the nose of the airplane. The stop sign had flashing red lights that were operating at the time of the collision, and the driver of the tug did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the vehicle. The recorded weather at the airport, about the time of the accident, included scattered clouds at 3,800 feet, and 8 miles visibility in light rain.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 30, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Charlotte/Douglas Internationa (CLT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Bombardier, Inc. 35A
- N-number
- N55F
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.